Class presidents draw wisdom from Disney, look to new beginnings

FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Public Schools graduation ceremonies offered students insight and final words of advice June 9.

Farmington and North Farmington high school graduates heard words of encouragement for their futures, and perhaps some of the most profound advice came from an unexpected source: Disney’s “Cars.”

In her address to her classmates, Abigail Bride, 2024 Farmington senior class president, reflected on how the scars  that they have each obtained along the way are valuable with a quote from one her “favorite philosophers,” Tow Mater. She reflected on a scene from “Cars 2,” where Mater opposed being repainted and having his dents fixed. His refusal confuses others, and they ask him why he wouldn’t want to fix a part of himself that is clearly damaged.

“I got every one of them dents with my best buddy, Lightning McQueen. I want to ‘member these dents forever,” he said.

Bride said “dents” tell stories of how we got them, show a “snapshot” of what we can endure, and serve as reminders of lessons learned along the way.

“The idea that our dents, scars or emotional damage are not only things that we shouldn’t be ashamed of, but aspects of ourselves that  we should appreciate for making us who we are is quite profound for an animated tow truck to be saying in a Disney movie,” said Bride. “This mindset can help us take on obstacles we never imagined we could accomplish. Our scars are simply proof that we lived and in addition to that they serve as reminders that we can grow and heal from hardship. So, what’s not to love about our dents?”

Bride also stressed that the scene shows that some of life’s hardships are valuable because we go through them together with our loved ones.

“Be grateful for the people who turn the good parts of life into your favorite memories, and definitely be grateful for the people who make the hardships in life a little less hard. Because just like your trials, these people made you who you are today, and you are a graduate,” said Bride.

Jaiden Thomas, NFHS senior class president,  encouraged his classmates to “celebrate endings as they precede new beginnings,” as he quoted author Jonathan Lockwood Huie.

“Let us reflect on the values that were taught to us during our time here, and let us carry them into our futures,” he said.

Thomas advised his classmates to “celebrate endings as they precede new beginnings,” a quote from Huie.

“It is this notion that every ending is a precursor to a fresh beginning that gives us the power to grow, change and renew,” Thomas said.

NFHS principal Joe Greene pointed out that the Class of 2024 started their high school years during the height of the pandemic. He said the song “We Are the People,” by Martin Garrix and featuring U2, came out in 2020 and that he believed the song describes the class perfectly. He said the class rebuilt the school’s culture, forged a stronger community and demonstrated the “power of unity  amidst our beautiful diversity.”

“Despite starting your high school career remotely during the pandemic, you’ve shown a remarkable ability to adapt, learn and grow,” said Greene.

Bride said that their trials have made them who they are without defining them, “which is a beautiful thing.”

“So take the risk. Go the extra mile or try something new. Not because you’re guaranteed to succeed, but because if you don’t fear failure you have nothing to lose, with the benefit of gaining new experiences.”

FHS principal Chris Meussner, told the Class of 2024 that while their academic achievements are something to be applauded, it’s their acts of kindness, drive for charity, and attitude that will take them far in life.

She also acknowledged that the students had started high school during the pandemic, recalling students chatting with each other through plastic screens at the start of their freshman year.

“You showed us what it’s like to go through obstacles and come out stronger,” said Meussner.

The Farmington celebration included a few somber moments. Before beginning her speech, Meussner honored the memory of former student Sophie Stacey, who would have graduated this year, but passed away in November 2021 at the age of 16.

“We would like to take a moment to acknowledge one member of the Class of 2024 who tragically left us early. Sophie Stacey, you will never be forgotten,” said Meussner.

Stacey’s name was called during the awarding of the diplomas. There was a pause where no one walked across the stage, before the graduates continued accepting their diplomas in alphabetical order.